Theobald Boehm
- Johannes Geffert, Ulrike Friedrich
Biography
Theobald Boehm was a German flute player as well as a goldsmith and master of iron. Although he did not compose music he is known for his initial and innovative design for the keyed-flute, superceding the four-keyed flute. Designs went through many revisions during his life, as well as contested patents from envious contemporaries and competitors. Boehm's hallmark design, developed betwen 1847 and 1862, has since been improved but he initiated the original multi-keyed flute. His hole mechanics are still employed in the manufacture of flutes of all sizes. ~ Keith Johnson